Results 2,101-2,120 of 5,756 for speaker:Fiona O'Loughlin

Written Answers — Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection: Community Employment Schemes Supervisors (26 Mar 2019)

Fiona O'Loughlin: 1287. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the way in which she plans to avert further strike action by community employment supervisors and assistant supervisors; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13531/19]

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills: Traveller Education: Discussion (26 Mar 2019)

Fiona O'Loughlin: We will now discuss No. 5 on our agenda, which is an engagement with stakeholders on the progression by members of the Traveller community to second and third level education. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Mr. Bernard Joyce, Irish Traveller Movement; Ms Elva O'Callaghan, the Yellow Flag Programme; Mr. Martin Collins, Pavee Point; Ms Maria Joyce, National Traveller Women's Forum;...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills: Traveller Education: Discussion (26 Mar 2019)

Fiona O'Loughlin: Before we begin, I wish to draw the attention of those in attendance to the fact that by virtue by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to this committee. However, if they are directed by myself, as Chairman, to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter and they continue to so do, they...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills: Traveller Education: Discussion (26 Mar 2019)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I thank Ms O'Callaghan and call Mr. Martin Collins, who is co-director of Pavee Point.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills: Traveller Education: Discussion (26 Mar 2019)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I thank Mr. Collins for sharing that quote, which I think we would all agree with. I ask Ms Maria Joyce, who is co-ordinator of the National Traveller Women's Forum, to address us.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills: Traveller Education: Discussion (26 Mar 2019)

Fiona O'Loughlin: The final speaker in this round is Ms Nessa White, general secretary of the Education and Training Boards Ireland, ETBI.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills: Traveller Education: Discussion (26 Mar 2019)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I thank Ms White for her interesting contribution. There were many very practical recommendations from the stakeholders. We all agree that direct targeted intervention is very important to help young students from the Travelling community. The respect for diversity which several witnesses mentioned is very important in schools. It is also important to support the schools, their staff and...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills: Traveller Education: Discussion (26 Mar 2019)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I thank the Senator for her contribution. I have no doubt about her good intentions but I would not want to call into question the reputations of our excellent teachers. The committee always recognises the very good work done by teachers at primary, secondary and third level.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills: Traveller Education: Discussion (26 Mar 2019)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I am making this comment as Chairman. We need to work with teachers and the teaching professions to ensure they are better resourced. We cannot lay it at the door of just teachers because, obviously, in terms-----

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills: Traveller Education: Discussion (26 Mar 2019)

Fiona O'Loughlin: The Senator will not interrupt me.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills: Traveller Education: Discussion (26 Mar 2019)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I am chairing this meeting.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills: Traveller Education: Discussion (26 Mar 2019)

Fiona O'Loughlin: The Senator had her say.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills: Traveller Education: Discussion (26 Mar 2019)

Fiona O'Loughlin: She had 15 minutes.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills: Traveller Education: Discussion (26 Mar 2019)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I am responding to Senator Kelleher. Please give me this opportunity as Chairman of the committee. We need to work with teachers and teacher organisations to make sure Traveller children and other vulnerable children have the best opportunity to learn within and outside the school environment. We need to look at a number of resources that can and should be put in place to support the...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills: Traveller Education: Discussion (26 Mar 2019)

Fiona O'Loughlin: If the Deputy has no other questions, I will comment briefly. Most of the issues have been addressed by my colleagues. We know a number of statistics from the 2016 census that are horrific. Only 13% of Travellers complete secondary education in comparison with 92% of the general population. Less than 1%, I think it was only 41 last year, are in third level education. Some 17.7% of...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills: Traveller Education: Discussion (26 Mar 2019)

Fiona O'Loughlin: There is balance now, so it is fine.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills: Traveller Education: Discussion (26 Mar 2019)

Fiona O'Loughlin: The vast majority of teachers certainly are not like that.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills: Traveller Education: Discussion (26 Mar 2019)

Fiona O'Loughlin: That is the point I am making.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills: Traveller Education: Discussion (26 Mar 2019)

Fiona O'Loughlin: If we can continue with the meeting, I have asked Ms White to respond, please.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills: Traveller Education: Discussion (26 Mar 2019)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I thank Ms O'Callaghan for that. Finally, I call Mr. Bernard Joyce.